my 1990 F150 oil pan looks like it is starting to rust through. the manual makes it seem fairly complicated to replace (jack up engine front, etc.) Does anyone know of shortcuts to remove? things to watch out for?
thanks.

 

A very common topic on here.
Since the search engine doesn't work on this forum, go to Ask Jeeves.com and type in something like "replacing F150 oil pan". Chances are high that the search there will take you to a page (if not many) on this great site.

Doing a oil pan seems intimidating, but it can be done if you have patience and make it job you can be proud of. I'm fix'n to do my F250 oil pan soon, I just got the new oil pan in today via UPS (along with a rear seal, oil pump, driveshaft, perf Cat, per Cat-back exhaust, and Headman Headers.)

Since this is your first time, plan a whole weekend for it. Do the research from the guys on here. They know and have experienced A LOT. Get a good gasket! There are debates on rubber/steel vs. cork/steel gaskets on here but I stick with the quality cork/steel gaskets myself.

Check the rear seal while the oil pan is out. Also, put in a new oil pump (don't forget to prime it with oil) while you have the pan out. It is great insurance on a 16 year old car. You don't want to spend a weekend on the oil pan to have the oil pump die on you a few months later.

I'll see if I stumble across the thread on the site that gave GREAT detailed information on how a guy did his oil pan. It gave GREAT detailed step by step information and good tips.

Good luck, and check back here.